Orchitis is infection of the testes, most often by a virus such as mumps..

Orchitis can occur when the epididymis is infected, as part of epididymo-orchitis. When infection involves only the testes, it is called orchitis. Orchitis is most often caused by a virus, usually the mumps virus. Rarely, it is caused by other infections. About 20 to 25% of men who have mumps develop orchitis. Most cases of mumps orchitis occur in boys younger than 10 years.

Orchitis may cause the testis to shrink but usually does not decrease production of the male hormone
testosterone. Orchitis may diminish the person's fertility, particularly if it affects both testes and/or occurs after puberty. However, infertility is rare.

Orchitis develops between 4 and 7 days after the salivary gland swelling. The testis swells and is painful. Sometimes both testes are affected. The person may also have fever, nausea, headache, and muscle aches.

Orchitis is diagnosed by physical examination, urinalysis, and sometimes Doppler ultrasonography, which assesses blood flow to the testes. Sometimes blood tests are done to identify the mumps virus.

Orchitis is usually treated with bed rest, pain relievers, and ice packs applied to the scrotum.

MONDAY, July 6, 2015 (HealthDay News) -- High levels of the hormone testosterone and the fight-or-flight stress hormone cortisol may prompt financial traders to make risky investment choices, researchers say.
The finding stems from a pair of simulations conducted in a laboratory setting.
"The...

WEDNESDAY, July 15, 2015 (HealthDay News) -- Poor mental health in childhood may lower the chances of success in adulthood, a new study suggests.
Duke University researchers found that children with mental health problems such as depression, anxiety and/or behavioral problems were six times...

Merck and the Merck Manuals

Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA is a global healthcare leader working to help the world be well. From developing new therapies that treat and prevent disease to helping people in need, we are committed to improving health and well-being around the world. The Merck Manual was first published in 1899 as a service to the community. The legacy of this great resource continues as the Merck Manual in the US and Canada and the MSD Manual outside of North America. Learn more about our commitment to the Global Medical Knowledge.